Spokesperson of the movement, Ibrahim Usman, told newsmen that an unidentified Hilux van parked by the roadside at Jere Kagoro Junction started trailing the Sheik’s convoy on entry, while another tried to stage an ambush at the front, but was overtaken by the convoy.

“The vehicle engaged the convoy in a senseless race, specifically aiming for the car in which Sheik Zakzaky was seated, up to the check point at the War College at Bwari.

“At the check point, the soldiers who were already on full alert took strategic positions with guns and demanded that all occupants of the vehicles step out and be checked.

“When head of the convoy demanded their mission and identification, the already charged soldiers would not listen despite several attempts to dialogue and threatened to shoot.

“When all appeal to sensibility failed, the Sheik’s convoy proceeded, but was vigorously pursued by the combined reinforcement of armed soldiers threatening to shoot.

“Not satisfied, the soldiers reinforced and intercepted the Islamic movement leader’s convoy again but were dodged, while some cars were badly damaged. At the Sheraton junction, they tried to erect another checkpoint which failed,” he said.

He wondered what was the mission of the armed soldiers and on whose orders they acted, adding that the unprovoked action of the soldiers was laced with insidious intent capable of disrupting the peace, and an insult on a man of God whose peaceful conduct was acclaimed all over the world.

“For the Islamic movement to succumb to intense scrutiny by the same military that one year ago, killed 34 brothers and sisters, including three of the Sheik’s sons during the International Quds Day peaceful procession, calls for intense caution.

“While we strongly condemn that acts as barbaric, uncouth and uncivilised, we call on all peace-lovers to condemn the act on innocent citizens.

“We cannot also succumb to pressure and unreasonable scrutiny on the same soldiers that have been after the life of our revered Sheik on daily basis since after the killings of his three children and followers.

“As a lawful citizen, Sheik Zakzaky has the right and privilege to move about with his people, anywhere, and conduct his activities without the slightest interrogation or hindrance,” he said